The nation-building responsibility is a common obligation; it is not merely assigned or limited to those employed and young ones. In fact, it is the responsibility of all Omanis as many jobless people are also contributing in building their community and nation in one way or the other. Everybody is accountable for giving back to this blessed land and building a better future for the coming generations.
This communal commitment was agreed upon since the onset of the Blessed Omani Renaissance in 1970. Upon ascending the throne and starting the march of building new Oman, late Sultan Qaboos called upon all Omanis to contribute in this noble mission. He addressed, “We promise you that we shall do our duty towards the people of our dear country. We also hope that every one of you will do his duty in helping us to build the thriving and happy future that we seek for this country, because, as you know, unless there is cooperation between the government and the people, we will not be able to build our country with the speed required to free her from the backwardness she has endured for so long."
Regardless of their gender and age, the late Sultan addressed all individuals to join forces with the government to take part in the nation-building march, led by the visionary leader and architect of the modern Oman. He believed in his people as a key factor of the overall national development and trusted them as a reliable resource to start the new era from the early days of his ascension to the throne.
In view of this, all are obliged to shoulder this responsibilities and play a role whenever they are and whatever they do. All should leave no stone unturned in serving the nation and its people. Regardless of what they do as a profession, it should not be undervalued no matter how small or big it is as long as it gives back to the nation. Great achievements always start with small deeds.
An utmost priority of the nation-building mission goes to sustaining nation’s comprehensive development covering all spheres of life and empowering its people as its backbone. Every country carries out this mission in a different way as focus differs based on governments’ priorities and interests. That is why the speed of development scale undoubtedly varies from one nation to another.
Though, when shedding light on the Sultanate of Oman's experience in this regard, the case is completely different and unique. Oman’s nation-building has been focused on building people as the most precious national resource. Since the Renaissance kicked off, great significance in this mission has been dedicated to the development of Omanis first.
Likewise, directing the same importance to Omanis continues with the new reign of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. Reflecting on His Majesty’s belief in youth, they have always been empowered to be capable of pushing the wheels of national development ahead.
Calling upon all Omani youth to contribute in developing the future vision of Oman, His Majesty stated, “I salute every young man and woman with ideas and who would like to be heard, and I invite them to put those ideas forward because when the future vision is discussed, it is the future of their children. We don’t differentiate between our youth at home and abroad”.
In his second speech to fellow citizens, His Majesty stated, “Youth are the wealth of a nation, its inexhaustible resource and the arms that build it. They are its present and future. We will always listen to them, and sense their needs, interests and aspirations which will definitely be accorded the attention that they deserve”.
Heroes do not hike tall buildings or stop bullets with an outstretched hand; they bleed and sacrifice their life, time and efforts to serve the nation and its subjects. So did Omanis; they brought their best to serve the nation over the past centuries.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
